Structural assemblies

ABSTRACT

A structural assembly made from standardized parts of identical thickness and provided with apertures that are regularly spaced with great accuracy; the parts are detachably connected with each other utilizing the apertures whereby the profile members of a corner for the assembly are held together exclusively by three plates or by one plate and two pivotal connections, also detachably secured by the use of their apertures.

United States Patent 11 1 Oetiker 1 Nov. 6, 1973 STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLIES 3,451,153 6/1969 Dohanyos 52/656 x [76] Inventor: Hans Oetiker, 21 Oberclorferstrasse, l g i s swltlefland 1,975,685 10/1934 1591111611.... 287/101 x 2,218,426 10/1940 Hurlbert 52/721 X [22] 1969 2,466,639 4 1949 Focke 61 a1. 85/8.8 [21] Appl, No.2 872,554 2,647,676 8/1953 Napiecinski 287/101 X 3,115,805 12/1953 Engelmannm 85/88 3,127,961 4/1964 Frazier......... 52/720 X 1 5- C 52/646, 5/8.8, 52/633, 3,259,006 7/1966 Dukatz 6161, 85/8.8

108/131, 5/312 51 1111.121. E04h 12/08, E04g 5/04, E048. 9 06 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [58] Field of Search 720 721, 475 1,504,805 8/1967 France 85/8.8

127,493 4/1948 Australla 287/2092 D, 65, 14, 92, 93; 16/138; 108/29, I

3 14, Prunary Exam1nerFrank L. Abbott 7 Assistant Examiner-H. E. Raduazo References Att0mey-Craig, Antonelli, and UNITED STATES PATENTS [57] ABSTRACT, 2,808,137 10/1957 Lewis 287/189.36 B l I d f 3,674,289 7/1972 GeI'aCl..... 287/189.36 E f P assemb Y m 9 3 Parts 1'917'764 7/1933 Howie 52/646 ldentical thlckness and provided w1th apertures that are 3,443,617 5/1969 Whiteside 151 4173 g a y Spaced with great accuracy; the Parts are d 1,569,728 1/1926 Douglas 5/312 tachably connected with each other utilizing the aper- 2,737,266 3/1956 Gross 1 52/280 tures whereby the profile members of a corner for the 2,753,235 7/1956 shepherdsfmn 237/14 assembly are held together exclusively by three plates or by one plate and two pivotal connections, also deur y 1,242,202 10/1917 X61161 16/139 tahably Secured by the use of apertures 3,353,854 11/1967 Hansen 52/656 X 23 Claims, 30 Drawing Figures Patented Nov. 6, 1973 3,769,772

10 Shasta-Sheet 1 Patented Nov. 6, 1973 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 HANS OETIKER Q ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 6, 1973 3,769,772

10 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR HANS OETIKER Patented Nov. 6, 1973 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 v m I 0 .JHIJ MM; 0

220 22| 2&6 227 /22o 22a FIG. l6

Patented Nov. 6, 1973 3,769,772

10 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 6, 1973 FIG. l8

l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patentgsd Nov. 6, 1973 3,769,772

10 Sheets-Sheet '7 Patented Nov. 6, 1973 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Patented Nov. 6, 1973 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 INVENTOR HANS OETIKER ATTORNEYS 1 STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLIES The present invention relates to structural assemblies, and more particularly to structural assemblies made from prefabricated, standardized parts.

The demand for readily assemblable structures, for example, in connection with emergency shelters, tentlike structures, mobile homes, and the like is everincreasing. Additionally, the trend toward standardization of the parts involved in prefabrication is undeniable.

However, these requirements and needs have not been fulfilled satisfactorily heretofore for several reasons. First of all, the parts involved for such assemblable structures must be relatively inexpensive in manu facture and must be relatively simple as regards assembly. Furthermore, the number of standardized parts involved must be relatively small without impairment of versatility. Moreover, the various parts must permit simple yet sturdy connection, preventing unintentional disengagement while, at the same time being sufficiently strong to be able to withstand substantial loads.

For some purposes, it is also imperative that the structures can be assembled and disassembled in a minimum of time, can be readily transported and carried in a compact manner and eliminate the need for skilled technicians to carry out the steps necessary in the assembly and disassembly.

Mobile homes are known as such which, however, can be transported only on relatively big trucks and which cannot exceed certain widths as determined by the roads and regulations applicable thereto. Their transport on trucks is expensive, and the cost of maintenance, upon arrival, are not insignificant.

Trailers are also widely used where mobility is necessary. However, trailers involve considerable costs in connection with parking even'when not used and cannot be disassembled and stored in a relatively small space.

Tent-like structures for the military services or as emergency shelters, such as, for first aid stations or field hospitals, also require great mobility coupled with flexibility and easeof assembly and disassembly.

Finally,ease of portability of such assemblies in their disassembled condition is a prime factor in the usefulness of the device. I

The present invention futills all of the aforementioned requirements by extremely simple means.

Additionally, the present invention provides a solution which is relatively inexpensive, yet reliable in operation and capable of carrying out the intended functions in an extraordinarily efficacious manner.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide standardized structural parts and assemblies of the type described above which avoid by extremely simple means the shortcomings and drawbacks encountered in the prior art.

Another object of the present invention resides'in structural assemblies made from standardized parts which can be readily assembled and disassembled without expertise knowledge.

A further object of the present invention resides in structural assemblies of the type described above in which relatively few standardized parts are involved and in which these parts are readily connected in a reliable manner, precluding inadvertent disengagement of the connections.

Still a further object of the present invention resides in structural assemblies which not only involve relatively few parts of light weight construction, offering great versatility, but which are simple to manufacture without impairment of the load-carrying ability of the structural assemblies obtained therewith.

These and further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing which shows, for purposes of illustration only, several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a structural corner assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a standardized pivotal connection in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the pivotal connection of FIG. 2;

' FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the pivotal connection of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a standardized plate member in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. I, as viewed from the opposite direction thereof;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating the condition of the angular assembly of FIGS. 1 and 6 when in the folded-together condition; 7

.FIG. 8 is a somewhat schematic perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a structural assembly made possible by utilizing the parts of FIGS. 1 through 7; a

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view, similar to FIG. 1, of a modified embodiment of a structural assembly in accordance with the present invention, utilizing only standardized plate members for the assembly thereof;

FIG. 10 is a somewhat schematic perspective view, similar to FIG. 8, illustrating a structural assembly utilizing the parts of FIG. 9; a I

FIG. 11 is a plan view on a modified embodimentof a standardized plate member in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12is a plan viewof a further modified embodimerit of a standardized plate member in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken in the plane 13-13 of FIG. 17,illustrating the two-partite connection in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of a plug-type connector member forming a part of thetwo-partite connecting arrangement of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view on the locking member s member of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a bottom planview of the locking member of FIGS. 18 and 19;

FIG. 21 is an elevational view, similar to FIG. 14 of a modified embodiment of a plug-type connector memher for the two-partite connection in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 22 is an elevational view, partly broken away, of a flaring tool for use with the plug-type connector in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 .is a partial perspective view, on an enlarged scale and partly broken away, illustrating the effects of the use of the tool of FIG. 22 in anchoring to a structural part, a plug-type member of the type illustrated in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of a convertible bed for use with the structural assemblies in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view, taken in the plane 25-25 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 illustrates a folded-together bed in accordance with the present invention for purposes of using the same as carrying case;

FIG. 27 is a somewhat schematic view, indicating various possibilities for finishing typical assemblies of the present invention by means of prefabricated wall panels and the like,

FIG. 28 is a partial perspective, exploded view, illustrating a still further modified embodiment of a structural corner assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the detachable connections of the structural assembly of FIG. 28; and

FIG. 30 .is a schematic perspective view, similar to FIGS. 8 and 10, and illustrating a structural assembly realized by utilizing parts as illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29.

Referring now to the drawing wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the various views to designate like parts, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 to 7, reference numeral 100 generally designates in FIGS. 1 and 7 a structural angular assembly utilizing parts in accordance with the'present invention. Such angular assembly includes three standardized angular profile members 110 (right angle sections) each provided with a number of regularly-spaced circular; holes or aper-,

tures 111 which are located with great accuracy in an identical manner in all of the standardized parts.

Additionally, the assembly includes two pivotal connections generally designated by reference numeral 120, each including two disk-shaped portions 121 and 122 (FIGS. 2-4) pivotally connected together by any conventional means 123. Such pivotal connecting means 123 may be in the form of a riveted-type pivotal connection or may be constituted by a two-partite detachable connection as more fully described hereinafter. The disk-shaped part 121 is adjoined by an outwardly extending leg portion 121 provided with similar apertures 111 while the disk-like portion 122 is connected with a leg portion 122' again provided with similar apertures 111. In order that the leg portions 121 and 122 be in the same plane, the disk-like portion 122 is connected with the leg portion 122' by way of an angularly bent portion 122". i

FIG. illustrates a standardized plate member generally designated by reference-numeral 130 which includes six apertures 111 so arranged that three apertures each are disposed substantially parallel to the respective sides 130a, 130b and 1300. It is, of course, understood that the apertures 111 in all structural parts of the present invention are made with the same degree of accuracy as to their dimensions and relative spacings so as to eliminate the danger of any errors in the assembled structures. This is an important feature as the errors in the prior art devices frequently are cumulative due to inaccuracies in the location of the holes, thereby resulting in a final assembly that fatally deviates, for example, from the intended vertical position.

To assure greater rigidity, suitable standardized bracing members generally designated by reference numeral 138 (FIG. 8) and provided with apertures 111 can be used in the assembly.

FIG. 67 illustrates how, by pivoting the two members a and 110b, connected with the structural member ll0c by the pivotal connecting means in the directions A and B, such angular assembly can be readily folded together into a small part of box-like shape for storage and/or transportation.

FIG. 8 illustrates how, by the use of standardized parts in accordance with the present invention, described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 7, one can obtain a structural assembly which can be used, for example, as a housing or tent-like structure to accommodate four to six persons. Standard connecting members in the form of profile sections 110', provided with similar apertures (not shown) and of suitable shapes and dimensions, are used to interconnect two structural members 110. For the sake of clarity, no apertures are shown in FIG. 8 or in FIG. 10 or in FIG. 30. The connection of the various parts may be realized in any conventionalmanner, for example, by means of conventional bolts and nuts, though a two-partite-detachable type of connection described more fully hereinafter in connection with FIGS. 13 through 16 and in particular in connection with FIGS. 18 through 23 is preferred for the connection of the various parts.

To install beds in a structural assembly of the type illustrated in FIG. 8, further standardized plate-like parts generally designed by reference numeral 140 are detachable secured to two upright profile members 110a and 1100' as indicated in the drawing. Furthermore, additional angular profile members 110d and 110d may be utilized as supports for the other two corners of the beds. By the use of the plate members 140, utilizing only one plug-type connector member in the aperture 1 11a thereof, the upper bed 800 may be pivoted in the direction of arrow D during non-use so as to form a backrest for the lower bed which can then be used as a seating bench or the like.

FIG. 9 illustrates a corner assembly similar to FIGS. 1 and 7, utilizing, however, only angular profile members 110 and three'plate-like members detachably connected with the angular members in the manner described above. By removing the connections indicated by x, the structural members 1 10a and 1 10b can be pivoted about the detachable, pivotal connections y into an assembly similar to FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates a structural assembly, similar to FIG. 8, obtainable by the use of only standardized angular sectionmembers, plate members and flat structural elements, allprovided with highlyaccurate apertures and assembled in the manner described with reference to FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 17 illustrate a still further modified embodiment of a structural assembly by means of plate-like members interconnecting angular profile members 110. More particularly, FIG. 11 illustrates a flat plate-like member generally designated by reference numeral 150 approximately of substantially trapezoidal shape except for the cut-off corners 150a and 1511b and provided with nine apertures 111.

FIG. 12 represent a modified flat plate-like member generally designated by reference numeral 160 which, in effect, represents two plate-like members 150 of FIG. 1 1 interconnected by the portion 161 as indicated by the phantom lines 161a and 161k. As can be seen from FIG. 17, the use of the plate member 160 permits an extension of the structural assembly in the direction of arrow B by the use of further structural elements, such as, angle members 110 also indicated in phantom lines in this figure. The particular configuration of the plate members 150 and 160, i.e., the removal of the apex 151 in FIG. 11 and of the portion 162 in FlG. 12 provides a free space so that, for example, a sectional member 110 could be extended uninterruptedly through the angular assembly through the opening formed thereby as shown in FIG. 1'7.

FIGS. 13 through 16 illustrate one embodiment of a two-partite connection in accordance with the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 201] which is shown in use in FIG. 17, though it could be used also with all other embodiments of the present invention. Each plug-type connection 200 includes a plug-type connector member generally designated by reference numeral 210 which consists of a head portion 211 adjoined by a shank portion 212 interrupted by an annular groove 213. At the end of the shank portion 212 opposite the head portion 211 is provided a chamfered end portion 214 or the like.

Thelocking member generally designated by reference numeral 220 is provided with a flat base body 221 as well as with a bent-back portion 222 connected with the base body by way of a web portion 223. The bent back portion 222 is provided with a circularaperture 224 of a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the shank portion 212 of the plug member 2111. The base body 221 'is provided with a circular opening 223 continuing in an elongated channel 226 that terminates in a semi-circular section 222. The semi-circular section 227 is substantially coaxial to the circular aperture 224 and has a'radius' of curvature about equal to or slightly larger than half the diameter of the reduced shank portion 212' formed as a result of the groove 213 in the connector member 2111. The dimension 0, (FIG. 14) corresponds approximately to the thickness'of two structural parts, i.e., to the thickness of a plate member 150 and of a profile member 110, the two being of identical thickness. For purposes of installation, the plug member 210 is inserted through two aligned apertures 111 in the plate member 1311 and profile member 110 whereupon the locking member 220 is placed over the projecting end portion 214 by extending the latter through aperture 22!, and thereafter displacing the locking member 220 in the direction of arrow F (FIG. until the end portion 227 of channel 226 engages with the groove 213, in which position, the aperture 224 in the bent-back portion 222 snaps into locking position over the projecting shank portion 214, 212 of the plug member 210 and thus holds the parts in the assembled position. To disassemble the connection, one only needs to proceed in the reverse manner by displacing the locking member 220 in a direction opposite arrow F, thereupon disassembling the locking member 220 from the plug-type member 210 and removing the latter from apertures of the parts.

FIGS. 18 through 20 illustrate a modified locking member in accordance with the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 230 which is operable to cooperate with the plug-type connector member 210, though a plug-type member generally designated by reference numeral 240 and illustrated in FIG. 21 is preferred in some applications. The locking member 230 includes a base body 231 provided with an elongated channel 236 terminating in a semi-circular end section 237. At the right end, as viewed in FIGS. 18 through 20, the base body 231 is adjoined by an upright actuating surface 238 disposed at substantially right angle to the base body 231 while a bent-back part 232 is connected with the base body 231 by way of connecting portion generally designated by 233. The bentback part 232 is provided at the left end thereof, as viewed in FIGS. 18 through 20, with a relatively large circularly-shaped recess 234 and is of approximately undulated shape, with the major portion of an undulation extending in the direction toward the base body 231 and the end portion 232' extending away from the base body 231. The channel 236 is open at the left end thereof by way of the flared wall portions 239 passing over into channel 236.

- For purposes of assembly, a plug-type member 210 or 240 is inserted with its shank portion through aligned apertures of two standard structural parts. The plug-type connector member 240 which, similar to connector members 210, also includes a head portion 241 and a shank portion 242 as well as an end portion 244,,for instance, chamfered or curved, and a groove 243, differs from member 210 by the provision of an additional groove 245 for purposes to be. explained more fully hereinafter. After the plug member 210 or 240 is inserted with its shank portion through two aligned apertures, the locking member 230 is placed over the projecting shank portion by displacing the locking member in the direction of arrow G .(FIG. 20) after-the flared end of channel .236 is brought into alignment with groove-243rAt-the sametime, the bentback portion 232 slips overthe end section 244 and exerts a frictional force opposing movement of locking member 230 into'its fully assembled position, which is reached when the reduced shank portion 246 left by annular groove 223 engages the semi-circular section 23"? of the channel 236; in this fully assembled position the end portion 232' has cleared a respective head portion 212 or 222 of the corresponding connector member 2111 or ass as indicated in phantom lines in FIG. w.

To disassemble the parts, it is only necessary to displace the locking member 2311 inthe direction opposite the direction of arrow G until thechannel 236 including its flared inlet 239 clears the groove 243 whereupon the locking member can be removed and the plug-type connector can be disassembled.

An important feature of the locking member 230 in accordance with the present invention is the configuration of the base body 231 as illustrated in FIG. 19 which is not flat but instead has two sections 231a and 231b of unequal length and disposed slightly angularly to each other. More particularly, the section 23 is extending over a length a, slants in the direction toward the bent-back portion 232while the shorter section 23lb of a length b slants away from the bent-back portion 232. In practice, this arrangement means that a greater force is necessary for disassembling the connected members since the shorter path b having a greater slope requires a greater specific force to overcome the frictional locking effect of the bent-back part 232, 232 than the frictional force produced in conjunction with the more gradual slope of the part 231a.

In some instances, in order to facilitate assembly, it may be desirable to preassemble a plug-type connector member to a plate by anchoring the former in the latter. This can be readily done by the use of the flaring tool generally designated by reference numeral 300 (FIG. 22) which includes an internal bore 301 of a dimension g at least equal to or slightly larger than the dimension f of the shank portion of the plug-type connector member 240 in FIG. 21. A sharp, pointed working surface 302 of annular configuration is formed by the beveled surfaces 303 and 304 which may be hardened in any suitable manner.

To securely anchor the connector member 241 to a standard structural element, such as a plate-like member or the like, all that is necessary is to insert the shank-type portion 242 into an aperture 111 of the plate member or the like, thereupon support its head portion 241 against a firm support. The flaring tool 300 is thereupon placed over the projecting shank portion 242 and material from the plate member is thereupon displaced into the groove 245 as sharp blows are applied to the end 305 of the tool 300 by means ofa hammer or the like. The displacement of the material into the groove is shown best in FIG. 23. The edge 302 leaves normally a fine ring 111 (not shown to scale in FIG. 23) as the only external mark. In FIG. 23, for the sake of convenience, one of the marks 111 is indicated which would have occurred with a plug-type member inserted in a direction opposite to the plug-type member illustrated in this Figure. The plug-type member 240 can again be removed from its anchored position, if so desired, by applying sufficient force to' the end section 244 in which case the material displaced into the groove 245 will be sheared off. Turning to FIG.'21, the dimension 2 of the groove 245 must, of course, be only .a fraction of the thickness of a structural part or plate and should be located in such a manner as to be within the central area of the thickness of such part, i.e., the distance d should be between one-third and one-half the thickness of such standard structural part. Further details of the two-partite connection of FIGS. 18-23 are described in detail in my co-pending application Ser. No. 872,7l5,'filed Oct. 30, 1969, entitled Detachable Two-Partite Connecting Arrangement, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent necessary.

FIG. 24 illustrates a bed generally designated by reference numeral 800 which is also assembled utilizing standard structural parts described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 12. More particularly, profile members 110 are interconnected with each other at the four corners of the bed by suitably shaped plates 130. Additionally, the parts of the angle members 110 disposed at right angle to the plate members 130 are connected with each other by a flat right angle iron 810. The bed in fact consists of two halves 801 and 802 pivotally connected with each other about pivotaxis i i by means of two pivotal connections generally designated by reference numeral 120 and illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and

4 herein. Additionally, two bracket members generally designated by reference numeral 820 (FIGS. 24 and 25) are connected in the manner illustrated to the upwardly facing portions of the profile members by any conventional means, such as bolts threaded over the threaded ends of the bracket members 820 extending through holes 111. The bracket members 820 are necessary to prevent collapse of the frame due to the large number of coil springs 830 resiliently suspending the resting surface 840, properly speaking, in the frame. The particular spring suspension of the present invention assures the utmost comfort since the fabric 840 is held taut and permits it to yield only slightly in an orthopedically correct manner to adapt itself to the contours of the body.

A cover generally designated by reference numeral 860 is provided with two zippers, each formed by two halves 861, 861 and 862, 862' forming in effect two zippers upon assembly in a conventional manner. Additionally, the cover 860 is provided with four slots 863 to permit extension therethrough of the carrying cords 865.

Each bed half is additionally provided with two legs 870 of any desired length which serve as spacer members when the bed is folded in the directions of arrows K and L when pivoting about theaxis i--i.'

Flaps 880 and 881 adapted to be secured by comple mentary snap-action fasteners 882 and 882 are provided to permit the cover to be held over the bed when the bed is folded together.

The legs 870 as well as brackets 820 are mounted at different locations relative to axis ii in the two halves 801 and 802 to prevent mutual interference in the folded-together position of the bed.

FIG. 26 illustrates a folded bed with the cover forming a protective carrying bag, not only for the bed but also for the parts which can be stored in the space formed by the thus-folded bed. As a matter of fact two beds thus folded provide sufficient space to permit storage of all the parts necessary to build a structural assembly such as illustrated in FIG. 8 including blankets,

canvas covers, etc. The weight of these parts including the canvas, blankets, etc. is sufficiently small to permit carrying of both cases by a single person without any difficulty. Further details of the bed illustrated in FIGS. 24-26 are described in my copending application Ser. No. 872,703, filed Oct. 30, 1969, entitled Foldable Bed Structure, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference to the .extent necessary.

FIG. 27 illustrates how the walls and roof can be assembled to the frame structure illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 8, 10 or 30. Suspended wall panels 900 of any desired thickness depending on type of material and desired insulation and made of any suitable material such as wood, synthetic resinous material, fiber boards, aluminum, steel,'stainless steel, etc. or of a stratified combination of such materials may be fastened in any conventional manner by the use of readily detachable connections utilizing apertures l 11. For example, bolts and nuts may be used with panels provided with suitable holes; in the alternative, the two-partite detachable connections may be used instead, provided the plug members-ZIO are lengthened correspondingly.

However, when using synthetic resinous panel boards, plug-type members 210 or 240 can be molded integrally with the panels so that, for purposes of assembly, it is only necessary to assemble the panels 900 externally by extending the lengthened shank portions of connector members 210 through apertures 111 and thereupon fasten the same by means of locking members 230.

If necessary, to cover externally the joints, shell members 910 and-910' of any suitable material such as aluminum, steel, wood, synthetic resinous materials, etc. and combinations thereof may be provided which can be fastened to the wall panels 900 in a conventional manner similar to the fastening of the wall panels themselves. A rubber or plastic hose 920 or the like or a pro file or sectional member of any known material may be used to seal the corners. Of course the wall panels 900 may be so arranged that the end face 900a of one panel 900 is flush with the external wall surface 90% of the other panel 900, as indicated in dash and dot lines in FIG. 27.

In lieu or in addition to fastening the wall panels 900 externally, similar wall panels may be secured internally to the frame structure, if so desired.

FIG. 28 illustrates the various parts for a further modified structural corner assembly in accordance with the present invention which includes a threelegged structural corner member generally designated by reference numeral 700 consisting of three leg portions 700a, 7001) and 700e, connected to one another at right angle, for example by welding, and provided with regularly spaced apertures 111. The leg portions 700a, 70% and 700s and their apertures are of such dimensions and spacing as to permit a structural member 110 to be tightlyassembled over the outer surfaces thereof. For that purpose a sleeve member generally designated by reference numeral 720 is provided with includes two right angle major surface portions 721 and 722 adjoined by web portions 723 and 724 which, in turn, are adjoined by bent-back portions 725 and 726, respectively. The various portions of sleeve member 720 are disposed substantially at right angle to each other. Additionally,each surface portion 721 and 722 is provided with an embossed section 721' and 722, extending the whole length. Two apertures 71] each are provided in each embossed section, so located and spaced as to be substantially coaxial'with two corresponding apertures 111, with the parts in the assembledcondition. Y

For'purposes of assembling; it is only necessary to place a structural member 110 over a leg portion 700a, 700b or 7000 with two apertures lllin each such part, in mutual alignment, thereafter insert a plug member 210 or 240 into respective two aligned apertures, and thereupon slide the sleeve member 720 over the thus assembled parts 110 and 700. In order to prevent any unintentional and undesired movement of sleeve memher 720 from its assembled position, its apertures 71] are aligned with through-bores 217 or 247 (FIGS. 14 and 21) provided in plug member 210 and 240, respectively, and thereafter cotter pins 740 or the like are inserted therethrough, as shown in FIG. 29 to securely anchor the parts in their assembled positions. The spacing between opposite surfaces 721 and 725 and between opposite surfaces 722 and 726 should be at most equal to but preferably slightly smaller than the thick- Obviously, the present invention has a wide range of application, from small structural elements to big multi-story buildings. The materials and size of the parts can be adapted to the particular use.

Thus, while I have shown and described several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it is obvious that the same is susceptible of numerous changes and modifications as known to a person skilled in the art.

For example, the prefabricated parts can be welded together after assembly by the detachable means to permit removal of the detachable connections. The subsequent welding is of particular significance when using the present invention as frame in connection with reinforced concrete constructions. For example, in connection with such concrete constructions, the corners of a structural assembly in accordance with the present invention may be completed into a shell by the use of additional structural parts 110, shown in FIG. 27 in phantom lines to provide a corner assembly as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 9, 17, and 28 forming a rectangular or quadrangular space 950' within the shell thus constituted by utilizing additional parts in the manner described. The space 950' may then be filled with concrete after reinforcing rods or the like of conventional construction and arranged, for instance, in bundles are suitably installed therein'and secured to the structural members 110 whichmay be either of angular profile as described above or flat. Of course, a double wall structure may be used in a similar manner. If the wall panels 900 are mounted externally, then the structural members 110 form themselves a reinforcement for the reinforced concrete support columns constituted thereby within space 950'. In that case, suitable spacer members 960 may be provided with each external structural members 110 to which a wall panel 900 is to be connected to cause the concrete to flow about the outer surface of structural members 110. For the sake of illustration, one wall panel 900 is shown connected directly to a structural member 110 and the other wall panel by way of one continuous or several spacers 960,

' though in practice'the same type of construction would be used in a given case. l I If the'wallpanels 900 are mountedinternally of the structural members 110, the structural members 110 can be removed after solidification of the concrete, thereby leaving only the wall panels assembled on the concrete pillars or columns thus formed. In such a case, a modified two-partite connection as illustrated also in FIG. 17 is of particular use, which includes a plug memness of two structural elements toassure a friction fit,

' holding sleeve member 720 in place even without the locking elements 740. t

FIG. 30 illustrates again schematically a structural assembly utilizing the standardparts of FIG. 28 and 29.

her generally designated by reference numeral 210 consisting of a head portion 211' and a shank portion 212. provided with a longitudinal slot 213' extending diametrically of the shank portion. A wedge-shaped locking member generally designated by reference numeral 220 is adapted to be driveninto slot 213 t whereby the slot 213' and the angle of the wedge are correlated to the thickness of twostructural parts inan analogous manner to the considerations underlying groove 213, i.e., wedge-shaped member 220' when force-lockingly held in slot 213', should at the same "time. force the two structural "parts against the head portions 211' thereof. Furthermore, the reinforced concrete construction can be readily vibrated by applying conventional vibrators ata few suitable places since the assembly, made of a large number of structuralparts detachably connected with each other, will transmit the vibrations over large areas thereof.

Of course, in lieu of wall panels, the structures illustrated in FIG. 8, FIG. and FIG. 30 may also be covered by appropriate canvas or suitable fabrics if so desired.

The plates 130, 150, and 160 may also be angularly shaped to permit a connection of mutually inclined surfaces forming angles other than right angles, for example, in connection with the roof, etc. Furthermore, the plate 160 may be completed into an approximately square plate by merely completing the plate illustrated in FIG. 12 with another plate of symmetrical configuration to that illustrated. Such a unitary plate of a configuration double that of FIG. 12 would permit extension of the structures in additional directions, i.e., additional to the direction indicated by arrow E in FIG. 17.

Furthermore, doors and walls as well as roof panels which can be suspended in a simple manner from the structural parts as disclosed herein, may be made of high finished steel, chrome-nickel steels, etc. Prefabricated walls and roof surfaces of any type can be thus readily installed. Moreover, the entire assembly can be embedded in concrete, especially in vibrated concrete, thereby increasing the rigidity of the building. Since the apertures 111 can be realized in a simple manner with extreme accuracy, the resulting structure will be true in all cases and any errors can be avoided.

Consequently, I do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein-but intend to cover all such changes and modifications as are known to thoseskilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A structural assembly made from a plurality of detachably connected, standard structural parts, said standard structural parts being provided with identical, regularly, and accurately spaced apertures, some of said standard structural parts being profile members and others being substantially flat-plate members, each of said plate members being generally disposed in only one plane and having two angularly disposed sides extending parallel to two sides of the structural assembly to be formed thereby and provided with several such apertures extending parallel to said sides, a corner of the assembly being formed by three right angle profile members each having two legs and extending with the line of connection between respective two legs at right angle to one another, one of said plate members detachably interconnecting a first and a second one of said profile members by way of respective legs of said first and second profile members which lie in the same plane, first pivotal connecting means being provided for interconnecting the first with the third profile member, second pivotal connecting means being provided for interconnecting the second with the third profile member, wherein each pivotal connecting means pivotally connecting respective profile members includes two disc-like portions, one behind the other in the axial I direction and pivotally connected together, and each disc-like portion being adjoined by a leg portion provided'with such spaced apertures for accepting connecting members to connect said leg portions with respective ones of said profile members.

2. A structural assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the two leg portions of one of said pivotal connecting means are disposed in the same plane as one disc-like element, the leg portion connected with the other disc-like element being offset with respect thereto by way of a bent connecting portion.

3. A structural assembly according to claim 1, wherein said standard structural parts are all of substantially the same thickness.

4. A structural assembly according to claim 1, wherein said standard structural parts are provided with only onetype of identical, regularly and accurately spaced apertures.

5. A structural assembly according to claim 1, wherein all of said apertures are substantially circular shaped only.

6. A structural assembly according to claim 3, wherein said standard structural parts are provided with only one type of identical, regularly and accurately spaced apertures.

7. A structural assembly according to claim 6, wherein all of said apertures are substantially circular shaped only.

8. A structural assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pivotal connecting means and said right angle profile members are constructed such that said three right angle profile members are foldable into a compact assembly with said profile members substantially parallel to one another when said plate member is removed. I

9. A structural assembly according to claim 1, further comprising connecting members insertable into said spaced apertures to detachably connect said profile members and pivotal connecting means with one another; wherein each of said connecting members includes: a plug member having a head portion larger than one of said apertures and a shank portion of crosssectional dimensions complementary to such aperture, said shank portion being provided with a groove spaced from said head portion by a distance corresponding to the combined thickness of an integer number of said structural parts, and locking means having an approximately flat base body provided with an aperture means of dimensions complementary to the reduced shank portion left by said groove for engagement with said groove, said locking means further having a locking portion connected to but spaced from said base body.

10. A structural assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that said locking portion isprovided with an aperture complementary to said shank portion and so located that it will engage over said shank portion in the assembled position of the locking means.

11. A structural assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that said locking portion is spaced from the opposite surface of said base body a distance less than the axial length of the shank end portion from the groove to the end surface thereof to provide a frictional force opposing assembly and disassembly of the locking means.

12. A structural assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that said locking means is provided with means producing in effect unequal friction forces 0pposing assembly and disassembly of the locking means.

13. A structural assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that said last-mentioned means is formed by slightly inclined surfaces in said base body of unequal length and different slopes.

14. A structurally assembly according to claim 13, characterized by groove means in the plug member located from the head portion by a distance approximately equal to one-half the thickness of the standard structural part to anchor the plug member to said structural part by displacement of metal from the latter into said groove means.

15. A structural assembly made from a plurality of standard structural parts, characterized in that all of said standard structural parts are of substantially the same thickness and are provided with identical apertures which are spaced regularly and accurately in an analogous manner in all of said parts, and inthat various parts are readily detachably interconnected with one another by the use of detachable two-partite connecting means, each of which includes aplug-type connector means having a head portion and adapted to be extended with its non-threaded shank portion through aligned apertures of two structural parts, and unthreaded locking means for securely and formlockingly holding said connecting means in the assembled condition including a head portion abutting against the outer surface of a standard-ized part and a shank portion extending through the respective aligned apertures of said standard structural parts, a circumferential groove being provided in said shank portion at a distance from the head portion corresponding approximately to the thickness of at least two standard structural parts with said distance being substantially equal to the thickness of an integer number of structural parts, said locking means being assembled and disassembled by displacement relative to said two structural parts in a direction substantially at right angle to the axis of said shank portion and including a base portion and a bent back portion connected to said base portion by a web portion, said bent back portion including a first part converging toward said base portion adjoined by a second part diverging from said base portion, the distance of the connection of the first and second parts from said base portion being smaller than the distance from said groove to the free end of said shank portion, and said base portion being provided with a slot only open on the side of said web portion and of such length that said second part will have substantially cleared the end surface of said shank portion when the bottom of said groove abuts against the end of said slot, wherein said base portion includes oppositely inclined sections of unequal length extending from a position of frictional engagement with said groove when in the locked position, whereby the frictional force between said groove and base portion which opposes disassembly is greater than the force opposing assembly.

16. A structural assembly according to claim 15, characterized by an additional groove in said shank portion spaced from said head portion a distance equal to about one-third to one half the thickness of a standard structural part to enable the displacement of material into said last-mentioned groove from the central area, as viewed in cross section, of a structural part abutting against said head portion.

17. A structural assembly according to claim 15,

characterized in that a corner assembly of such structural assembly consists of three mutually perpendicularly arranged structural elements detachably interconnected by at least one additional connecting part, said structural elements and said additional connecting part being all standardizedrparts, and in that two of said detachable connecting means connect a respective structural element with the corresponding connecting part of the corner assembly.

18. A structural assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the connecting parts are plate members, and in that three plate members are provided for a corner assembly.

19. A structural assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that said connecting parts consist of two pivotal connecting means and one plate member.

20. A structural assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that each pivotal connecting means consists of two disk-like parts pivotally connected with each other, each disk-like part being provided with a leg portion provided with some of said apertures, and the leg portions extending in the same plane.

21. A structural assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that a corner assembly of such structural assembly consists of a three-legged unitary structure to which the structural elements are detachably connected.

22. A structural assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that said base portion includes an actuating portion at the end opposite said web portion and extending generally perpendicularly to said base portion.

23. A structural assembly according to claim 15, wherein said standard structural parts are provided with only one type of identical, regularly and accurately spaced apertures. 

1. A structural assembly made from a plurality of detachably connected, standard structural parts, said standard structural parts being provided with identical, regularly, and accurately spaced apertures, some of said standard structural parts being profile members and others being substantially flat plate members, each of said plate members being generally disposed in only one plane and having two angularly disposed sides extending parallel to two sides of the structural assembly to be formed thereby and provided with several such apertures extending parallel to said sides, a corner of the assembly being formed by three right angle profile members each having two legs and extending with the line of connection between respective two legs at right angle to one another, one of said plate members detachably interconnecting a first and a second one of said profile members by way of respective legs of said first and second profile members which lie in the same plane, first pivotal connecting means being provided for interconnecting the first with the third profile member, second pivotal connecting means being provided for interconnecting the second with the third profile member, wherein each pivotal connecting means pivotally connecting respective profile members includes two disc-like portions, one behind the other in the axial direction and pivotally connected together, and each disc-like portion being adjoined by a leg portion provided with such spaced apertures for accepting connecting members to connect said leg portions with respective ones of said profile members.
 2. A structural assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the two leg portions of one of said pivotal connecting means are disposed in the same plane as one disc-like element, the leg portion connected with the other disc-like element being offset with respect thereto by way of a bent connecting portion.
 3. A structural assembly according to claim 1, wherein said standard structural parts are all of substantially the same thickness.
 4. A structural assembly accordinG to claim 1, wherein said standard structural parts are provided with only one type of identical, regularly and accurately spaced apertures.
 5. A structural assembly according to claim 1, wherein all of said apertures are substantially circular shaped only.
 6. A structural assembly according to claim 3, wherein said standard structural parts are provided with only one type of identical, regularly and accurately spaced apertures.
 7. A structural assembly according to claim 6, wherein all of said apertures are substantially circular shaped only.
 8. A structural assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pivotal connecting means and said right angle profile members are constructed such that said three right angle profile members are foldable into a compact assembly with said profile members substantially parallel to one another when said plate member is removed.
 9. A structural assembly according to claim 1, further comprising connecting members insertable into said spaced apertures to detachably connect said profile members and pivotal connecting means with one another; wherein each of said connecting members includes: a plug member having a head portion larger than one of said apertures and a shank portion of cross-sectional dimensions complementary to such aperture, said shank portion being provided with a groove spaced from said head portion by a distance corresponding to the combined thickness of an integer number of said structural parts, and locking means having an approximately flat base body provided with an aperture means of dimensions complementary to the reduced shank portion left by said groove for engagement with said groove, said locking means further having a locking portion connected to but spaced from said base body.
 10. A structural assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that said locking portion is provided with an aperture complementary to said shank portion and so located that it will engage over said shank portion in the assembled position of the locking means.
 11. A structural assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that said locking portion is spaced from the opposite surface of said base body a distance less than the axial length of the shank end portion from the groove to the end surface thereof to provide a frictional force opposing assembly and disassembly of the locking means.
 12. A structural assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that said locking means is provided with means producing in effect unequal friction forces opposing assembly and disassembly of the locking means.
 13. A structural assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that said last-mentioned means is formed by slightly inclined surfaces in said base body of unequal length and different slopes.
 14. A structurally assembly according to claim 13, characterized by groove means in the plug member located from the head portion by a distance approximately equal to one-half the thickness of the standard structural part to anchor the plug member to said structural part by displacement of metal from the latter into said groove means.
 15. A structural assembly made from a plurality of standard structural parts, characterized in that all of said standard structural parts are of substantially the same thickness and are provided with identical apertures which are spaced regularly and accurately in an analogous manner in all of said parts, and in that various parts are readily detachably interconnected with one another by the use of detachable two-partite connecting means, each of which includes a plug-type connector means having a head portion and adapted to be extended with its non-threaded shank portion through aligned apertures of two structural parts, and unthreaded locking means for securely and form-lockingly holding said connecting means in the assembled condition including a head portion abutting against the outer surface of a standard-ized part and a shank portion extending through the respective aligned apertures of saId standard structural parts, a circumferential groove being provided in said shank portion at a distance from the head portion corresponding approximately to the thickness of at least two standard structural parts with said distance being substantially equal to the thickness of an integer number of structural parts, said locking means being assembled and disassembled by displacement relative to said two structural parts in a direction substantially at right angle to the axis of said shank portion and including a base portion and a bent back portion connected to said base portion by a web portion, said bent back portion including a first part converging toward said base portion adjoined by a second part diverging from said base portion, the distance of the connection of the first and second parts from said base portion being smaller than the distance from said groove to the free end of said shank portion, and said base portion being provided with a slot only open on the side of said web portion and of such length that said second part will have substantially cleared the end surface of said shank portion when the bottom of said groove abuts against the end of said slot, wherein said base portion includes oppositely inclined sections of unequal length extending from a position of frictional engagement with said groove when in the locked position, whereby the frictional force between said groove and base portion which opposes disassembly is greater than the force opposing assembly.
 16. A structural assembly according to claim 15, characterized by an additional groove in said shank portion spaced from said head portion a distance equal to about one-third to one half the thickness of a standard structural part to enable the displacement of material into said last-mentioned groove from the central area, as viewed in cross section, of a structural part abutting against said head portion.
 17. A structural assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that a corner assembly of such structural assembly consists of three mutually perpendicularly arranged structural elements detachably interconnected by at least one additional connecting part, said structural elements and said additional connecting part being all standardized parts, and in that two of said detachable connecting means connect a respective structural element with the corresponding connecting part of the corner assembly.
 18. A structural assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the connecting parts are plate members, and in that three plate members are provided for a corner assembly.
 19. A structural assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that said connecting parts consist of two pivotal connecting means and one plate member.
 20. A structural assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that each pivotal connecting means consists of two disk-like parts pivotally connected with each other, each disk-like part being provided with a leg portion provided with some of said apertures, and the leg portions extending in the same plane.
 21. A structural assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that a corner assembly of such structural assembly consists of a three-legged unitary structure to which the structural elements are detachably connected.
 22. A structural assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that said base portion includes an actuating portion at the end opposite said web portion and extending generally perpendicularly to said base portion.
 23. A structural assembly according to claim 15, wherein said standard structural parts are provided with only one type of identical, regularly and accurately spaced apertures. 